13 Outrageously Lavish Trips You Didn’t Know Existed

Famous tourist spots around the globe are often described dreamily by travel guides and social media. These destinations have it all from breathtaking landmarks to vibrant cityscapes. However, for locals who live around these busy attractions, the crowds, and hiked prices are unappealing.

Here are 13 destinations that have become overcrowded with inflated prices, and lack authenticity in the cultural representation.

Times Square, New York City, USA

To the tourist, Times Square is the beating heart of New York City with the mesmerized crowds and the mad whirl of energy that comes with the deep purr of 13,000 souls caught in Saturday night’s sway, but for locals, Times Square is more of a headache than a highlight. It’s congested and commercialized with prices for basic items that could make anyone gasp. It’s also more chaotic than thrilling with a constant rush of people looking for the perfect photo op. Most New Yorkers hate Times Square and will go out of their way to find a quieter neighborhood with more authentic city vibes.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles, USA

For those wanting to get close to the entertainment industry’s glitz and glamour, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see, but Locals tend to steer clear. It’s not just perpetually packed with camera-toting tourists. The area can feel a bit tacky with endless souvenir shops and street performers aggressively vying for attention. For Angelenos, the Walk of Fame is a side of Hollywood that seems far removed from the actual city.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

One of the world’s most visited landmarks is the Eiffel Tower, which symbolizes romance and elegance. Tourists come to get panoramic views of Paris from its summit, but many Parisians avoid it altogether. It’s a constantly crowded tower, with vendors selling overpriced trinkets. Instead, locals might visit other less-known spots such as Paris’ Parc des Buttes Chaumont to chill and soak in the cities’ charm.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

An iconic photo spot is the Leaning Tower of Pisa where visitors love to stage ‘holding up the tower’ pictures. For locals, however, this place has turned into a circus rather than a cultural site. Vendors crowd the area desperate to sell to the tourists who scramble for pictures making it difficult to appreciate the history of the tower.

Piccadilly Circus, London, UK

At Piccadilly Circus, famous for its bright billboards and always chock full of tourists day and night, the locals conveniently steer clear since it is one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in London. Lacking the charm of Borough Market or Covent Garden where tourists can find high-quality food along with some shopping and a more laid-back scene.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a dream destination for many, and whitewashed buildings set against stunning sea views don’t disappoint. Greek locals, however, stay away from the island, especially during peak season. Tourists have overrun the place and prices have shot through the roof to meet demand. Many locals tend to visit other islands that have just about the same beauty without the crowds like Naxos or Paros.

Venice, Italy

Venice is known worldwide for its canals and gondolas, but Venetians are increasingly avoiding their own city center. The city has become a tourist theme park with narrow alleys filled with visitors. Many residents have been driven out by rising rental prices and the loss of local businesses, and those who remain tend to avoid the busiest areas and head to quieter parts of the lagoon.

Bourbon Street, New Orleans, USA

New Orleans nightlife on Bourbon Street is filled with neon lights, live jazz, and famous cocktails. The party scene can be chaotic, especially during Mardi Gras. Many locals, however, prefer the quieter parts of town where there are live music venues with an authentic New Orleans vibe and not as many crowds.

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

With wonderous ancient engineering, the Colosseum is a must-see for all visitors to Rome. Many Romans find it too touristy and prefer to experience their city’s rich history in other ways. Visiting around the Colosseum can be frustrating with traffic and overpriced restaurants that cater to tourists.

Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, USA

Visitors head to the Strip for the casinos, the neon lights, and the entertainment, but locals in Las Vegas tend to avoid it. It’s noisy, crowded, and a little overwhelming with crowds at all hours. Locals tend to like their favorite off-Strip hangouts which are a more relaxed version of Vegas without the constant hustle.

The Great Wall, Beijing, China

China’s most iconic sight, the Great Wall, is not a favorite of locals. The Badaling section of the wall is crowded with tourists, but residents often skip it for that reason. Locals do go, but when they do, they go to lesser-known sections like Mutianyu where they can enjoy the wall without the throngs of people.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Travelers looking to see the ancient Incan city in the Andes have Machu Picchu on their bucket list. Locals, however, are not pleased with the effects of tourism on this site. Environmental strain from frequent visitor flow has resulted in locals choosing less crowded trails with spectacular mountain views and cultural sites such as Choquequirao.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece but Sydneysiders usually skip the area. Tourists crowd around taking pictures and buying expensive food in nearby eateries. Locals prefer to enjoy Sydney’s beauty from other waterfront spots that don’t have the frenzy, such as Watsons Bay or Barangaroo.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon are Instagram-famous and travelers flock to it from all over the world. However, locals tend to steer clear of it because it’s so expensive and crowded. Instead, they may visit natural hot springs which are less spectacular and less commercial, such as the hot springs in the Reykjadalur Valley.

The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are an ancient wonder and a must-see for travelers, but Egyptians tend to avoid the site. The area is overwhelming, between the tourists and vendors selling souvenirs. Locals prefer to enjoy Egypt’s history in museums or lesser-known archaeological sites where the crowds are thinner.

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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience